Public Meetings - Rochester, Minnesota

The Citizens Advisory on Transit (CAT) met on April 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall Room 104. A quorum was not present, so no formal votes or actions could be taken. The meeting proceeded with a staff presentation, discussion, and updates. Presentation: Mode Shift and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) - Matt Lynch, the city’s Mode Shift Coordinator, delivered a presentation on mode shift and Transportation Demand Management (TDM). He explained that mode shift is the outcome of more people choosing to walk, roll, bicycle, take transit, or share rides where practical, while TDM is the set of policies, programs, pricing, and designs that make those options viable. - Lynch emphasized that the presentation does not tell people how to travel; driving remains important, but the goal is to give people real workable options, especially where transit can serve trips well. - Key statistics (from the American Community Survey): In 2023, about 65.5% of commuters drove alone, a slight decrease from prior years. Remote work increased substantially since 2019. Data was also presented from a Replica model showing trip distances and modal feasibility: trips under 1.1 miles could be walked or rolled in about 20 minutes; trips up to 3.6 miles could be cycled in about 20 minutes. - Lynch highlighted that Rochester’s adopted comprehensive plan already supports transit as part of a broader access strategy. TDM tools can include employer transit benefits, better wayfinding, first/last mile improvements, parking management, and more. - The presentation concluded by asking CAT members to help identify where transit access breaks down and which near-term changes would have the biggest impact. Discussion and Questions - Members discussed sidewalk maintenance and the city’s sidewalk improvement program, noting that repairs are reported via 311 and that homeowner repairs are not permitted due to liability and database concerns. The city’s sidewalk evaluation and improvement program is funded by all residents. - A member asked about coordination with enforcement agencies (police, attorney’s office). Lynch responded that good engineering—such as separated facilities—can reduce enforcement burden and improve safety for all users. - Another member raised the example of Elton Hills Drive / 19th Street’s recent road diet (lane conversion from four lanes to two lanes with bike lanes). Lynch noted that corridor had been identified as a high-priority safety concern in the region’s Safety Action Plan, and that lane conversions are being evaluated to increase safety for all users. - Lynch confirmed that the MnDOT Transportation Planning Assistance Grant (supported by a CAT letter of approval) has been awarded and will consolidate existing plans into a TDM implementation framework, expected by September 2026. He will return to present the final framework. Transit February 2026 Report - Ridership trends: According to Rachel (staff), transit ridership is trending upward. In both January and February 2026, monthly ridership averaged around 5,000 riders. The city has already seen a 10,000-rider increase in 2026, compared to 20,000 for all of 2025. Contributing factors include recent service changes and increased frequency. - Upcoming service changes: A major spring service change is planned for April 25, 2026, removing looped routes and providing more direct north-south connections without transfers at Central Park. An October change will move buses from Central Park back to Second Street. Additional smaller adjustments are scheduled in December 2026 and March 2027 to integrate with Link BRT testing and commissioning, with Link going live in August 2027. - Link BRT update: The remaining 11 Link BRT buses are now in production (manufactured in St. Cloud). The contract for a new operator is in a confidential procurement process, expected to go to the City Council in late May or early June 2026. - Microtransit: Staff are evaluating reintegration of microtransit, but have decided to bring Link online first to understand system dynamics before introducing another new mode. Some targeted microtransit pilots may appear within one to two years. Committee Membership and Next Meeting - Membership changes: Rebu has resigned due to increased work responsibilities; George has been removed due to excessive absences. The committee is now down to fewer members. Rachel has asked the Mayor’s office to recruit new members, especially transit riders and individuals from the biking community. Suggestions can be sent to the Mayor’s office. - Future meeting time: Because the 5:00 p.m. time appears to conflict with many members’ availability, members discussed shifting to 5:30 p.m. or exploring other times. Any change requires a formal vote at a future meeting with a quorum, so the matter will be placed on the next agenda. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or actions were taken because quorum was not met. - The meeting served as an information session on TDM, mode shift, and upcoming transit changes. - The next meeting will need to approve the minutes from the February 12, 2026 meeting. - Staff will continue to recruit new committee members. - The committee is expected to discuss meeting time changes at the next regular meeting.

The Rochester City Council convened for a study session on April 13, 2026, to discuss the 2027 supplemental budget, golf course operations, a natural gas franchise fee, transformational capital projects, and performance metrics for Destination Medical Center (DMC) investments. The session included presentations from city staff, discussion among council members, and direction for future actions. No formal votes were taken, but several policy directions emerged. Discussion Items 2027 Supplemental Budget Overview - City Administrator Alison Zelms presented the early-stage budget, noting the projected levy of $127 million, a 7.4% increase from 2026. The general fund budget is projected to increase by 3.6%, but this is muted by building permit fee revenue for specific projects like Forward/Unbound. - The total 2027 budget across all funds (including RPU) is $742.4 million, with operations at $411.7 million, capital improvements at $284 million, and debt service at $46.7 million. - Economic indicators: total employment increasing, non-medical employment growth, permit valuation up 50% from 2024 (over $1 billion in permits), lodging tax growth, sales tax steady around $15.5 million, and airport passenger traffic rising. - Preliminary estimated market valuation from Olmsted County shows 4.3% year-over-year growth (1.06% from new construction, 3.27% from valuation adjustment). - Staff highlighted that the 2027 budget is the first without any CARES Act subsidies, returning to pre-pandemic levy adjustments of 6-7%. - Councilmember Keen expressed concern about projecting 7.5% increases annually for five years, calling for a mindset of constraint rather than new spending. Councilmember Miller echoed worries about structural imbalance and suggested tying spending to financial sustainability benchmarks. Golf Course Operations - Paul Woodman presented: Golf revenue reached a record $2.3 million in 2025, exceeding targets. However, expenses (fuel, fertilizer, labor) are rising. The recommendation is to provide $150,000 in operating levy support (up from $50,000) and $200,000 for capital improvements (down from the originally planned $400,000). - Councilmember Miller noted that despite revenue increases, expenses are outpacing, creating a structural imbalance. Councilmember Doran questioned the subsidy level and asked for data on the percentage of the community that golfs and the cost per taxpayer. - Mayor Norton defended golf, stating it is a legitimate sport that attracts visitors and benefits people of all abilities, and criticized singling it out when other sports (hockey, parks, trails) are also subsidized. Credit Card Convenience Fees - Staff discussed options to offset credit card processing fees currently absorbed by the levy (especially for building inspection, recreation, and city clerk). Options include a convenience fee, cap, or percentage fee, similar to RPU’s approach. The mayor cautioned against pushing people back to checks. Councilmember Miller asked about best practices from other cities. Natural Gas Franchise Fee Engagement Results - Aaron Lustein and Kayla Betzel presented the results of extensive community engagement (over 50 activities, 30,000+ reached, 200+ survey responses). - Overall, 61% of respondents supported some form of fee, but support was conditional: strongest at $1-2/month for residential, with 39% preferring no fee. Commercial support was only 37%. - The community preferred directing revenue to community-facing programs (60+%) rather than city projects. Home rebates, business support, and housing improvements were top priorities. - Affordability was the largest barrier to broader support. No clear consensus on fee structure (flat, tiered, or per-therm). - Staff recommended not pursuing a franchise fee at this time and instead developing 1-2 pilot programs (under $100,000) focused on energy cost reduction, housing improvements, or community-based initiatives. Pilot programs would demonstrate value and build trust before considering a fee structure. - Councilmember Wall was strongly opposed, calling the fee a tax and citing inequity. Councilmember Palmer noted no nonprofits supported it. Councilmember Keen supported pilot programs funded from council contingency. Mayor Norton expressed disappointment, noting the Sustainability Commission supported the fee, but acknowledged the pilot approach as a step forward. Transformational Capital Projects Update - Irene Woodward provided an update on the Forward/Unbound project review process, emphasizing the Medical Overlay District and the “Iconic Building Alternative” within the UDC. She showed examples of design evolution for the North Arrival building, where city staff pushed for more transparency, pedestrian-friendly features, and screening. - Councilmember Palmer raised concerns about the linear park at the former Lourdes building, noting that promised elements (artifacts) may not be used. Staff confirmed the park plan is not yet submitted and will be reviewed against council decisions. - Steve Schmidt reported on the Sixth Street Bridge project (90% design, $36.8 million budget) and the South Broadway project (federal planning grant, $2.5 million for design). Councilmember Palmer expressed concern about overlapping closures with the Highway 14 interchange project. - Councilmember Miller requested a broader conversation on public safety and fire station staffing, noting these are high levy implications. DMC Performance Metrics Discussion - Brooke Carlson of DMC led a discussion on developing project-specific KPIs to measure impact of DMC infrastructure investments. Council members identified key concerns: how to communicate return on investment to taxpayers, mitigate disruption to neighborhoods, track housing unit occupancy, and demonstrate value to the state legislature. Councilmember Keen stressed the need to differentiate between Mayo Clinic projects and DMC community investments. Councilmember Palmer noted the importance of communicating the “light at the end of the tunnel” for quality of life. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the session was informational. - Direction for staff: Proceed with developing 1-2 pilot programs for energy efficiency/housing improvements (funded under $100,000) instead of a natural gas franchise fee. Return to council with detailed proposals. - Budget direction: Staff will consider council feedback on the meeting room renovation ($688,000) and other supplemental items. Councilmember Keen called for a moratorium on new meeting room spending; Councilmember Palmer supported the concept but not in the supplemental year. - Golf levy: Staff will include a $150,000 operating levy increase in the recommended budget, with continued monitoring of capital investment. - Upcoming sessions: April 27 study session on RCTC sports center partnership and stormwater plan; May 11 walking tour of DMC projects; April 20 council meeting with public hearings on ethics board appointments and flood map/housing code text amendments.

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript all indicate the meeting was held on April 8, 2026, but the instruction requires using April 9, 2026. This discrepancy is noted. The Rochester Planning & Zoning Commission met on April 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council/Board Chambers. The meeting included three main agenda items: a conditional use permit for the 6th Street Bridge, a vacation petition for a right-of-way, and a text amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to update FEMA floodplain panels. All items were approved unanimously with no public comments. Consent Calendar - Minutes of March 25, 2026: Approved unanimously (8-0, with Commissioner Ahmed absent initially; later 9-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the open comment period or the public hearing. Discussion Items 1. Conditional Use Permit (CD2026-003CUP) – 6th Street Bridge: Staff member Elliot Mohler presented the request by the City of Rochester to modify the flood wall and construct a bridge connecting 6th Street Southwest and 6th Street Southeast. The project requires a conditional use permit because bridge piers will be located in the floodway subdistrict. Key points: the bridge will cause a rise of less than one inch in water level, necessitating a FEMA Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR); the city has coordinated with the DNR, Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA, and the Army Corps has already approved the project. The commission discussed the roundabout included in the approved small area plan and the connection to the Destination Medical Center (DMC) project. The staff recommended approval with two conditions: (1) submission of engineered sign plans prior to final approval, and (2) CLOMR approval by FEMA before construction. The commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council. 2. Vacation Petition (CD2026-002VAC) – 2nd Avenue NW: Staff member Desmond McGeough presented the request to vacate a 66-foot-wide, 125-foot-long segment of unimproved right-of-way north of 26th Street NW. The street was platted in 1967 but never built; it dead-ends into residential lots. Vacating the right-of-way would allow the two adjoining property owners to absorb the land (approximately 4,000 square feet each). Commissioners asked about the possibility of building a house or creating a community garden, but staff clarified that the city cannot retain the land; it reverts to the underlying property owners. The commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council. 3. Text Amendment (CD2026-001TA) – UDC Section 60.200.040E: Staff member Edward Caples presented an update to the FEMA flood insurance rate map panels (panels 27109C0164G and 27109C0302G) for the Bear Creek area. This is a minor language cleanup and panel update based on a FEMA study, not the annual UDC update. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers. The commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council. Key Outcomes - Conditional Use Permit No. CD2026-003CUP: Approved unanimously (9-0) with a recommendation to City Council, subject to two conditions (engineered sign plans and CLOMR approval). - Vacation Petition No. CD2026-002VAC: Approved unanimously (9-0) with a recommendation to City Council. - Text Amendment No. CD2026-001TA: Approved unanimously (9-0) with a recommendation to City Council. - Other Business: Staff provided a recap of the April 6, 2026 City Council meeting, noting approval of a final plat for the Pebble Creek development (108 units). Commissioner Ruchi Gupta announced her resignation effective April 24, 2026, to accept a position as a development manager at a corporate car wash. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:00 p.m.

The Sustainability and Resiliency Commission met on April 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, Room 104, to discuss and vote on a recommendation report regarding a natural gas franchise fee, receive an overview of city programs for pollinators and turfgrass conversion, and hear public comments. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Degerstrom (representing the Zumbro Valley Audubon Society) expressed strong support for increasing native habitats and setting specific goals for habitat recovery. He cited declines: approximately 15% drop in butterfly numbers from a few decades ago, bumblebee species on the path to extinction, bird numbers down about one third since the 1970s with grassland birds dropping more than 50%, and a February 2026 Science Magazine study showing declines accelerating for 63 bird species. He emphasized the need for the city to set goals and develop plans, suggesting a 20-year transition with 35% year-over-year growth in participants, or a 15-year transition starting at 100 participants (0.2% of Rochester's approximately 50,000 households) with 50% growth per year. - Jim (also from Zumbro Valley Audubon Society) spoke during the open comment period, but no further details were provided in the transcript or minutes. Discussion Items - Pollinators and Turfgrass Conversion: Programs Overview (30 minutes): The commission heard from Kayla (Parks Department) and Rachel Strauss (Stormwater Education Coordinator) about city efforts. Parks is converting 6.2 acres of turf to pollinator habitats across four parks (Joyce Park, McQuillen Park, Meadow Park, Meadow Park Estates Park), funded by a grant through a partnership with the Trust for Public Land. Approximately 10 acres of native prairie have been seeded at the KR6 reservoir. The "Slow Mow Summer" program (formerly No Mow May) is promoted to residents, encouraging higher mowing heights and reduced frequency; yard signs are available at City Hall. Residents must still comply with the city's tall grass ordinance (turf under 12 inches) and manage noxious weeds. A 2024 state statute now allows naturally occurring and managed native vegetation on private property without a permit, except for boulevard plantings (which require a free permit). The city's free tree program (U.S. Forest Service grant) offers income-qualified residents in census tracts 1, 2, 3, and 6 free trees; 146 trees are planned for spring 2026, with a goal of over 1,000 trees planted across Rochester between 2025 and 2028 including both private and boulevard trees. Over 2,000 boulevard trees were planted in 2025. Rachel Strauss presented the Rochester Garden Grants (city-funded, up to $1,000, open to residents, schools, and organizations) and the state-level Lawns to Legumes grant (up to $400, residential only, priority for at-risk pollinators). Applications for city grants are open October 1 to December 30 annually. Other stormwater-related projects include the 37th Street Infiltration Basin, Pebble Creek and Kalmar Wet Sedimentation Basin, and a 42-acre Cascade Creek stream realignment and restoration project (design phase, construction likely 2027-2028). The Arbor Day event is scheduled for Friday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McQuillen Field Park (with indoor backup at CTC field house); volunteers are asked to arrive by 10:30 a.m. to help with clean water mini-golf. Over 2,000 attendees are expected. - Natural Gas Franchise Fee Engagement (45 minutes): The commission reviewed and revised a draft recommendation letter to City Council. The letter emphasizes the need for a stable, equitable, and local funding source to advance sustainability and resilience goals. Staff noted that the engagement process had an unprecedented level of public participation. The commission discussed several changes: reframing the heading from "Need for stable funding" to "Need for investment in community resilience"; highlighting benefits such as stable funding for efficiency programs, reduced long-term natural gas dependence, and support for low- and moderate-income residents; explicitly stating that the fee would assist residents and businesses in reducing energy costs through efficiency; adding information about the community-led Sustainability and Resiliency Task Force and the existing list of unfunded projects; changing a bullet point from "clarity" to "accountability"; and broadening the equity bullet to include homeowners, renters, and businesses proportionate cost distribution. Commissioner comments included support for the letter as a strong foundation and suggestions to focus on benefits, accountability, and tying the fee to the existing sustainability plan and task force work. Key Outcomes - Approved Minutes: The March meeting minutes were approved unanimously (7 ayes, 2 absent). - Approved Natural Gas Franchise Fee Recommendation Report: The commission unanimously approved (7 ayes, 2 absent) the recommendation report to City Council, with the discussed amendments to be incorporated by staff. - Agenda Order Changed: The commission unanimously approved moving the Pollinators and Turfgrass Conversion item (5.A) before the Natural Gas Franchise Fee item (4.A) to accommodate a guest speaker. - Adjournment: The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as April 7, 2026, but the provided date is April 8, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. The Rochester Park Board met on April 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in City Hall Conference Room 104. Six members were present (Chad Ramaker, Martin J. Cormack, Gary Neumann, Rebekah Kunz, Cynthia Morgan, Paul P. Marino); Mark Bilderback was absent. The board approved routine items, discussed capital improvements at MLK Park, and authorized several contracts. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Unanimously adopted the minutes of the March 3, 2026 Park Board meeting as the official record. Motion by Cormack, second by Marino. - Monthly Reports: Received and filed the Parks and Recreation Department monthly report for March 2026. Director Paul Widman highlighted the transition to spring, golf course soft opening, geese management, and facility transitions. - Monthly Bills: Unanimously approved the department’s monthly bills as presented. Motion by Kunz, second by Morgan. - Financial Performance YTD: Received and filed the year-to-date financial performance report through March 2026. Informational only. - Consent Agenda Items 8A and 8B: Approved as a block: (8A) Authorization of a quote from American Fence for $82,687 for Quarry Hill asset preservation fencing; (8B) Approval of support for installation of an intergenerational outdoor fitness area at Soldiers Field Park, coordinated by FitLot, Inc. Motion by Cormack, second by Ramaker. Unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke during the open comment period. The board did note a procedural improvement: future minutes will include the topic of public comments, not just the speaker’s name. Discussion Items Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Park Improvements – Playground (Item 8C) Commissioner Rebekah Kunz pulled this item from the consent agenda for discussion. Park Planner Jeff Feece confirmed that the renderings shown are the actual equipment being ordered. The playground will feature poured-in-place rubber surfacing (green and brown). Kunz asked about shade elements; Feece noted that mature trees on site will provide sufficient shade. Regarding seating, Feece stated that three benches will be placed around the playground perimeter, plus bike racks. Board President Gary Neumann noted that the project is part of a $1.8 million grant-funded phased improvement, and that the playground equipment is being purchased through a state cooperative purchasing program, which saves an estimated $5,000–$15,000 off list price. The current quote covers only playground equipment and installation; benches, sidewalks, and other site improvements will be part of a future action. MLK Park Improvements – Splash Pad (Item 8D) Commissioner Kunz also pulled this item. Feece confirmed the renderings are accurate. Kunz observed that the splash pad features appear minimal compared to the Silver Lake Pool splash pad; Feece explained the budget is smaller. He noted that the splash pad is comparable to the one at Lincolnshire Park. Benches and shade trees (some were removed for construction) will be provided as part of overall site improvements, not included in this quote. The quote from Aquatix by Landscape Structures is $465,246.81. Other Business – MLK Park Sidewalk Director Paul Widman reported that the sidewalk on the west side of MLK Park will be presented to the board for approval at the May 2026 meeting. This follows previous discussions and community concerns. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of minutes, monthly reports, monthly bills, and financial performance report. - Unanimous approval of Consent Items 8A (Quarry Hill fencing, $82,687) and 8B (FitLot fitness area at Soldiers Field). - Unanimous approval of Item 8C: Authorization of playground quote from St. Croix Recreation for MLK Park playground equipment and installation. Motion by Cormack, second by Marino. - Unanimous approval of Item 8D: Authorization of splash pad quote from Aquatix by Landscape Structures for $465,246.81 at MLK Park. Motion by Ramaker, second by Morgan. - Future agenda: The MLK Park sidewalk project will be presented at the May 2026 meeting. - Board tour: The board discussed a potential tour of new facilities, including the new park operations building, Silver Lake Pool, and the volleyball center, possibly in late May. Meeting adjourned unanimously.

Note: The meeting agenda and minutes list the date as April 1, 2026, but the provided instruction specifies the meeting date as April 8, 2026. This summary uses the specified date. The Police Civil Service Commission met on April 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Rochester Police Department North Station. All three commissioners were present: Jeffery S Boyd, Bradley D Trahan, and Courtney Dugstad. The meeting lasted approximately 10 minutes and covered two routine items: approval of prior minutes and approval of a sergeant eligibility list with the appointment of three sergeants. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 16, 2026): The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Motion by Courtney Dugstad, seconded by Bradley D Trahan. Ayes: all three. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present to comment. Discussion Items - Sergeant Eligibility List and Appointment of Three Sergeants: The commission reviewed a proposed sergeant eligibility list and a request from the Chief of Police to appoint three sergeants from that list. Commissioners indicated they had reviewed the list and had no further discussion. A motion to approve the eligibility list and appoint three sergeants was made by Bradley D Trahan, seconded by Courtney Dugstad, and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the minutes from March 16, 2026. - Unanimous approval of the proposed sergeant eligibility list and the appointment of three sergeants from that list. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn made by Bradley D Trahan, seconded by Courtney Dugstad, unanimously approved. No other business was discussed.

The Rochester City Council convened on April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM (implied) for a regular meeting. The agenda included the City Administrator’s Report, Mayor’s Report, consent agenda, three public hearings, a report on a Byrne Justice Assistance Grant for automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, and several ordinance readings. Key actions included approval of a sanitary sewer maintenance project with assessments, a final plat for 108 single-family lots, a utility easement vacation, and acceptance of a grant to expand ALPR technology. Consent Calendar - Approved items F1–F5 and F7–F37 in block, with Councilmember Wall noting that four contracts awarded had engineer estimates; two were slightly over and two significantly under, resulting in a net savings of $472,180. Councilmember Doring voted nay on items F9 and F15. Public Comments & Testimony - Molly Dennis (public comment period) – Spoke during the open comment period, expressing confusion about a sidewalk improvement district notice that she believed was tied to the sanitary sewer hearing. She argued that sidewalk repair costs should be shared by all residents, not just those with sidewalks. The mayor clarified the hearing was for a different project, and the city clerk offered to assist with her letter. - Benna Childs (G1 public hearing) – A resident of 1622nd Street Southeast, directly affected by the sanitary sewer maintenance project, objected to the $8,400 special assessment (approximately 10% of her remaining mortgage). She presented a formal objection and argued that prior special assessments did not increase property values, questioning the legality of the assessment. She requested a back-and-forth exchange but was directed to address the council after the hearing. Discussion Items - City Administrator’s Report (Zelms) – Thanked staff for their work under varying weather conditions. Announced parking ramp cleaning schedules: First Street ramp (April 10–12), Second Street ramp (April 17–19), Third Street ramp (April 24–26). The Center Street ramp is closed for repairs; First Street ramp is recommended alternative except during its cleaning. Noted vendor applications for the 2026 Forward Concerts series (Wednesdays, June 3–August 23, 5–8 PM) are due April 10. Also mentioned a community survey with Rochester Public Schools on awareness and programming, available through April 12. - Mayor’s Report (Norton) – Recognized the city’s plaque from the Rochester Chinese School for supporting the Chinese New Year event. Announced a town hall hosted by RPU on May 12 at the Hein Center to discuss net metering, 100% renewable energy, battery storage, and other RPU functions. Expressed concern over changes to the 4th of July celebrations (no stage, fireworks only with music on a radio station, community band at Cascade Lake) and Rochester Fest (lack of a stage), noting 2026 is America’s 250th birthday. She advocated for enhancing fireworks and supporting Rochester Fest with a city stage. Mentioned a youth bike ride on June 27. Highlighted the police department’s annual report available online. Reported on the Rochester delegation to the Techland Experience in Germany (Mayo, DMC, city, county, U of M) and the National League of Cities conference, including lobbying for police technology upgrades (Congressman Finstad forwarded earmark), Brownfields, Zumbro drinking water, and Civic Center intersection. Presented a handout on the Rochester Visioning 2050 exercise, noting community priorities like a modern skate park (opening at Silver Lake), multi-use youth recreation hub, expanded neighborhood facilities, arts/culture spaces, and an event pavilion/amphitheater. Announced a volunteer event with the Mormon Church and Rochester Youth Council that packaged over 300 boxes of food. Noted an opening on the Fire Civil Service Board and distributed an article on a resident-model government by Nick Vejos. - Public Hearing G1: Second Street SE & 16th Avenue SE Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Project – Staff (Dombrowski) presented the project: full reconstruction of 2nd Street SE from 15th Avenue to the cul-de-sac near MLK Park, and 16th Avenue SE from 4th Street North to 2nd Street SE. Includes new sidewalk along the park (funded by Parks Department). Assessments follow the 2022 policy: 25% of eligible street costs assessed to property owners based on property value, 75% city-funded. No objections received prior to the meeting. The first resolution (ordering improvements) required a supermajority; the second (levying assessments) a simple majority. Council discussion addressed the assessment methodology, property value impacts, lead service replacement, and the city’s interest rate of 5% for deferrals over 10 years. Councilmember Wall noted that the per-property assessment was about $8,400, which could be paid over 10 years. Councilmember Palmer questioned RPU’s role in lead service replacement. Councilmember Keene emphasized the consistency of the assessment policy. - Public Hearing G2: Final Plat – Pebble Creek Sixth by Lenar – Staff (McGill) presented the request to subdivide 56 acres into 108 single-family lots on the west side of 60th Avenue NW, south of 51st Street NW. The plat is part of the larger Pebble Creek development (327 acres, 454 lots approved in preliminary plat in June 2025). Conditions include providing additional plat information (parkland, street names, pedestrian easement), completing development agreements and civil plans, and transferring an outlot to RPU for a booster station. The applicant (Ryan Scholenfeller, WSE Engineering) accepted the conditions. Council discussion touched on the senior component of the development, the phased approach, and connectivity to active transportation networks. Councilmember Miller raised concerns about disconnected parcels and transit access but supported the motion. - Public Hearing G3: Vacation of Utility Easement – Leo and Ed LLC – Staff (McGill) requested vacation of a 15-foot-wide public utility easement on the Rochester Hyundai dealership property (4748 Highway 52 North). All agencies confirmed no active facilities. The applicant (Mark Nelson, Happy Auto Group) supported the request. No public comment. Approved unanimously. - Report H1: 2025 Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for ALPR Cameras – Chief Franklin presented a detailed overview of the grant request to purchase four additional fixed ALPR cameras (Axon Outpost) to expand the current two cameras (installed on 41st Street under an auto theft grant). He stressed that the data is owned by RPD, retained for 60 days per state statute, not shared with third parties (including immigration enforcement without a warrant), and used for real-time alerts on stolen vehicles, missing persons, and wanted criminals. The grant is a formula-funded, annual award of about $28,000 (with 10% shared with Olmsted County). The strategy is to stretch the grant over five years to align with the Axon contract renewal, hoping for cost reductions through bundling. Council discussion addressed data retention, lookback capability, the difference between in-car and fixed ALPR, staffing impacts, and the public’s concerns. Councilmember Doring asked about data sharing with federal immigration enforcement (Chief Franklin: only with a judicial warrant). Councilmember Wall asked about using retrospective data for investigations (confirmed, within 60 days). Councilmember Miller clarified that the system does not require new FTEs and that existing parking ramp LPRs do not integrate with the Axon system. The department expects to measure success through reduced auto thefts and increased recoveries. - Ordinance Readings – First readings: J1 (public ethics), J2 (annexation of 124.61 acres south of Highway 52, 40th Street SE, and Highway 63), J3 (mobile food units). The council voted to waive the 25-day requirement for J2, allowing second reading on April 20, and removed item K3 from the agenda. Second readings: K1 (rezoning 2.71 acres at 77 Woodlake Drive SE from Light Industrial to Mixed Use General) passed 6-1 with Councilmember Palmer voting nay; K2 (rezoning 1.2 acres at 7th Avenue SW and Center Street West from R2X to R3M) passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - G1 Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Project: Approved the resolution ordering improvements (7-0) and the resolution levying assessments (7-0). The assessment of $8,400 per property (spread over 10 years at 5% interest) was adopted, with the suggestion that final costs may be lower if bids come in under estimate. - G2 Pebble Creek Sixth Final Plat: Approved with three conditions (7-0). The developer will bring 108 single-family homes to market, with a senior component and a community center. Future phases will connect to utilities and extend roads. - G3 Utility Easement Vacation: Approved unanimously (7-0). - H1 Byrne Grant for ALPR Cameras: Approved (7-0). The council authorized the application and acceptance of the FY2025 grant to purchase four additional fixed ALPR cameras, expanding the pilot program from two to six cameras, with a five-year rollout to align with the Axon contract renewal. - Ordinances: First readings of J1, J2, J3 were read; J2 will return for second reading on April 20. Second readings of K1 (passed 6-1) and K2 (passed 7-0) were adopted. - Next Steps: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2026, which will include the second reading of the annexation ordinance. The city will continue to engage the community on the 4th of July and Rochester Fest adjustments. The police department will track auto theft rates and recovery metrics to evaluate ALPR effectiveness.

Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as April 1, 2026, but the instruction for this summary specifies April 2, 2026. The following summary reflects the content of the meeting as recorded. The Joint Airport Zoning Board (JAZB) met to adopt a new Airport Zoning Ordinance for Rochester International Airport, updating the 2005 ordinance to comply with 2019 state statute changes and 2021 master plan updates. The meeting included a public hearing and a unanimous vote to adopt the State Model Zoning Ordinance. Consent Calendar - Minutes of January 23, 2026: Approved unanimously (9 ayes, 1 absent: Polly Glynn). Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Reiter (Olmsted Aggregate): Expressed concerns about whether the new ordinance would affect an ongoing quarry permit process north of the airport, noting coordination with the FAA and city council for over a year. - Olivia Oehlke: Asked about non-conforming use expansions, density restrictions in Zone B, and whether zone boundaries are shrinking or expanding. - Bill Kusile: Raised questions about grandfathering for his farmstead in Zone A, rebuilding a house, noise from C-130s, and enforcement of height restrictions. He noted that the city previously denied a shed permit, which was later approved after discussion. - Bill Schimmel (Stewartville City Administrator): Questioned density restrictions in Zone C and impacts on community gatherings and industrial growth, as well as water tower height restrictions. - Jimmie-John King: Asked about the effect of the ordinance on a proposed power line and fireworks operations near the airport. Discussion Items - Presentation by Evan Barrett (Mead & Hunt): Detailed the purpose of the update—2019 state statute changes (requiring integration into comprehensive plans), updated FAA rules, and the 2021 master plan. Explained that the ordinance includes airspace obstruction zoning and land use zones (A, B, C). Noise mitigation was deemed unnecessary because the 65 DNL noise contour is entirely on airport property and the 60 DNL contour lies within Zone A (where structures are prohibited). - Map Changes: The northwest approach shrinks due to a canceled runway extension; the northeast approach shortens and shifts south; the southwest approach extends due to a planned instrument landing system; and the southeast approach remains similar but with shorter Zone A and B lengths (capped at 4,000 and 2,000 feet, respectively). Only two small areas off airport become new Zone A (agricultural land), and a few areas become new Zone B. Most areas are downzoned or remain the same. - Non-conforming Uses: Two existing residences in Zone A are explicitly grandfathered and can be rebuilt as long as the hazard does not increase. - Variances: All variance requests go to the City of Rochester's Board of Appeals. The zoning administrator for each jurisdiction (city, township, or county) enforces the ordinance through building permit reviews. - Enforcement Concerns: Commissioners discussed whether the ordinance provides adequate oversight if local zoning administrators approve permits that conflict with the ordinance. The airport can still comment through FAA processes, and litigation is the ultimate remedy for violations. Key Outcomes - Adoption of the State Model Zoning Ordinance for Rochester International Airport: Approved unanimously (10 ayes). The board voted to submit the proposed ordinance to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MINDOT) for review. After MINDOT approval, the ordinance will be formally adopted and transmitted to affected municipalities (Rochester, Stewartville, High Forest Township, Rochester Township) for incorporation into local codes. - Next Steps: MINDOT will review the ordinance; JAZB members will sign the final document via DocuSign. No further meetings are anticipated unless MINDOT requests changes.

The Rochester Public Utility (RPU) Board met on April 1, 2026, to approve consent agenda items, receive informational presentations on bond rating analysis and customer relations operations, and review board policy progress. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the February 17, 2026 meeting. - Reviewed accounts payable totaling $12,241,214.48 for the period February 10 to March 9, 2026. - Authorized purchase of utility vehicle bucket truck retrofits for up to $700,000 for vehicles V776 and V777. - Approved a 2026 budget amendment of $1,233,000 to relocate an RPU duct bank for the Link Bus Rapid Transit project, and recommended City Council authorization. - Approved a five-year agreement (2026-2031) with Cintas for uniform rental and laundering services up to $400,000, funded annually. - Approved the 2025 RPU Distributed Energy Resource Report. - Approved the Distributed Energy Resource Tariff Schedules. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - 2026-2030 Bond Rating Analysis: Presented by Peter Hogan (RPU), Chris Hogan and Rachel Westervelt (Baker Tilly). The analysis examined the impact of a potential $240.7 million debt issuance in 2027 on RPU's Moody's (AA3) and Fitch (AA) ratings, and the city's Moody's rating (AAA). Results showed no negative impact on any rating, even under sensitivity scenarios with higher power purchase agreement costs or a $180 million issuance (if GT1 is salvageable). The analysis also addressed how Moody's now considers enterprise funds holistically, emphasizing the need for coordinated debt issuance between RPU and the city. Board members discussed the treatment of power purchase agreements, PILOT payments, and the importance of maintaining strong financial metrics. - 2025 Customer Relations Operations Report: Presented by Patty Hanson (Director), Josh Mason (Marketing & Energy Services), and Tom Jorgensen (Communications). Customer Care handled over 72,000 inbound calls, 13,000 outreach calls, and served over 15,000 walk-in customers. The customer portal saw over 81,000 logins and 3,000 new registrations since November 2025. Marketing & Energy Services achieved a 1.5% kWh savings goal (17.2 million kWh saved) and saved 3.7 million gallons of water, marking the 20th consecutive year meeting conservation goals. Communications distributed 324,000 mailings and achieved strong customer satisfaction scores (overall utility provider satisfaction 6.25/7, net promoter score 49.2). Discussion included walk-in trends, portal usage, and credit for distributed energy resources in demand reduction. - Board Policy Review: General Manager Timothy McCollough reported progress on revising the financial policies, with a goal to bring a draft for board consideration at the April meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items 4A–4G were approved unanimously. - The bond rating analysis was received as informational; no action required. - The customer relations operations report was received as informational; no action required. - Board policy review will continue; financial policy draft expected at April meeting. - Meeting adjourned at 5:38 p.m.